(PNP photo)
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will go on full alert starting Sept. 19 as authorities prepare for rallies scheduled across Metro Manila on Sept. 21.
PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said the alert status will take effect at midnight, with full deployment expected by Saturday afternoon. More than 15,700 personnel will be deployed for the security operation.
Under full alert, leaves of personnel in concerned units are suspended and officers are required to remain on standby.
Co said Civil Disturbance Management personnel assigned to the demonstrations will not carry firearms and will use body-worn cameras. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. also directed officers to exercise maximum tolerance during the rallies.
The PNP said it has not detected any specific security threat related to the Sept. 21 demonstrations but continues to monitor developments and has prepared contingency measures. Security will also be tightened along roads leading to Malacañang.
Police preparations follow violent incidents near Malacañang during the Sept. 21, 2025 anti-corruption demonstrations, when clashes, property damage and arrests were reported near Mendiola and Ayala Bridge.
Co urged rally participants and organizers to help keep demonstrations peaceful while reiterating that the PNP recognizes the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
NCRPO officer-in-charge Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said the deployment will be reinforced by personnel from neighboring police regions. Authorities are also coordinating with known rally organizers ahead of the demonstrations.
The PNP said the scale of the deployment was based on security assessments and consultations with stakeholders, rejecting suggestions that the preparations were excessive.